No, these little seedlings won't give you a temporary high, but they will provide you with a plethora of health benefits. Hemp seeds are derived from the same species of plant as marijuana. However, they do not contain THC (the active substance) and the seed, not the flowering bud is what is utilized. Like chia seeds, (mentioned in the previous post) these seedlings contain both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which help decrease inflammation and promote cardiovascular health.

Hemp seeds, or hemp powder, is mild in taste, which makes it extremely versatile when integrating into your dietary regimen. Toss the seeds in your salad, sprinkle them on your yogurt or cereal, fold some powder into your waffle or pancake batter (whole grain of course), or top your smoothie with them.

Hemp is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all 9 essential amino acids. It is very beneficial for those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Hemp is also a very good source of fiber, just make sure to stay hydrated when adding additional fiber to your diet if your body is unaccustomed to it.

Hemp is also loaded with an abundance of vitamins and minerals. It contains high amounts of iron, thiamin, B6, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese!

Below is a recipe for a simple nourishing meal which seamlessly integrates hemp seeds. Vegans and vegetarians simply omit the salmon, and you will still have a veggie, complex carb, and complete protein-rich meal.

Pan Seared Salmon over Soba Noodles and Kale

Serves 2

4 oz dried buckwheat soba noodles

2 tbsp hemp seeds

1/4 of an avocado, cubed or sliced

Ginger Sesame Soy Dressing

Juice of 2 limes

1 tbsp tahini

1/4 cup brown rice wine vinegar

1 tbsp low sodium tamari

4 tsps sesame oil

2 thinly sliced scallions

1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped

Whisk together all the ingredients, reserving enough scallions and cilantro for garnish. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.

Garlic Kale

1 head kale, leaves removed, and roughly chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add kale, sauté until slightly wilted, approximately 3 minutes. Set aside.

Seared Salmon

3/4 lb of salmon (wild or organic if possible)

Olive oil or coconut oil

Salt

Pepper

4 cloves of garlic

Preheat oven to 350

Clean, dry, and lightly salt and pepper each side of the salmon.

In a pan that can be transferred into the oven, lightly coat with oil over medium high heat. Add salmon, skin side up, and sear for 3 minutes a side. Add whole garlic cloves and transfer to the oven to finish cooking, about 5 minutes for medium-rare.

While the salmon cooks, prepare the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Drain noodles and, while warm, lightly coat with ginger sesame soy dressing. Arrange kale around soba noodles and top with salmon. You can break salmon apart as well and scatter around the noodles. Top with a drizzling of ginger sesame soy dressing, hemp seeds, reserved scallions, cilantro, and avocado, if you wish.